Berlin artists Christine Sun Kim and Thomas Mader present “1880 THAT” at the Wellcome Collection, their first major London exhibition. The show examines the relationship between sign and spoken languages, inspired by the stigmatisation of Deaf individuals post-1880 Milan conference. It features various art forms to reflect on these issues with humour.
Artists Christine Sun Kim and Thomas Mader are showcasing their first major London exhibition, “1880 THAT,” at the Wellcome Collection. This exhibition delves into the nuances of communication and examines the link between sign language and spoken language while addressing the fear of losing one’s language. It is named after the Second International Congress on Education of the Deaf, held in Milan in 1880, where the emphasis on oral education led to negative perceptions of Deaf individuals.
The exhibition features diverse works including drawings, films, and sculptures that employ humour to reflect on the long-lasting impacts of the Milan conference. Kim and Mader aim to highlight the challenges faced by the Deaf community regarding education and personal identity. Through their art, they provoke thought about the cultural and societal implications of prioritising oral communication over sign language.
“1880 THAT” marks a significant contribution to the conversation about Deaf education and identity. By highlighting the historical context of the Milan conference, Kim and Mader invite audiences to engage with the ongoing consequences of communication choices. Their artwork underlines the importance of sign language and the richness it brings to identity in the Deaf community.
Original Source: londontheinside.com